With nearly 9 million players – and growing – pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, according to the 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association Topline Participation Report. And therefore, finding courts to play on can be a challenge.
Not so in Macon, GA. Or at least that’s what officials are hoping for as the city is now home to the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events.
About 80 miles south of Atlanta, this 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art complex has 32 courts, 16 upstairs and 16 downstairs with four pods of four courts on each level. Like a health club, it also has lockers, showers and even a pro shop. A joint project between Macon-Bibb County, the Urban Development Authority and Visit Macon, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events hopes to also attracte state, regional and national pickleball tournaments.
“We began booking events in this new facility long before construction was complete,” said Gary Wheat, CEO of Visit Macon. “Macon continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination – which is evident by it being named one of the best destinations to visit in 2024 by Travel+Leisure Magazine. The sports (and especially pickleball) market is excited, and we look forward to attracting many new groups, events, and regional tournaments to this state-of-the-art sports complex with so many amenities! These events will contribute millions of dollars to the Macon economy.”
Mayor Lester Miller said, “we have a strong pickleball community here in Macon, one that is welcoming of all people, whether they are local and wanting to learn how to play or are visiting here for a tournament. With Rhythm and Rally, I see that community growing even larger, stronger, and closer together, all while attracting larger tournaments. And that’s why I’m proud of who we’re working with to make sure it is an overwhelming success.”
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) will oversee management and operation of Rhythm and Rally.
“As the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball facilities are in high demand everywhere,” said SFC VP of Venue Management Patrick O’Brien. “Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon have done a tremendous job transforming the venue into a world-class pickleball facility. We are confident that Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events will bring significant economic impact to the community, attracting visitors from far and wide. We will also leverage the Rhythm and Rally to bring the local community together through pickleball and other events that we will host.”
“With SFC, we are bringing in a group with success working with facilities all over the country, and they understand how to maximize each’s potential,” says Mayor Miller. “By having their connections with different sports and types of events, I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to us here.”
“Sports Facilities expertise in the space of, not only facility management, but event management was an easy decision for us,” adds Wheat. “It is a leg up on the competition of attracting large planners and promoters to Macon, Georgia, when the management team is held in such acclaim in other destinations. We look forward to exceeding the expectations of these visitors!”
Website: Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events
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